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I've read through this entire thread and it seems to be a good idea to centralize a place where process related info can be gathered on a particular machine. I notice no activity in some time now. This is a really good resource especially for a newbie like me. I documented this by cutting and pasting them into one file. I focused on the post that mentioned specific process and the settings used. Good 200DX quick settings reference resource!!! After experimenting with my 200DX, I have a question:

if I understand correctly, I realize in #1 peak=30amps, background =15amps, and #2 peak=30amps (give or take .01 or so) background = 15 amps. If the numbers are equal the same amps output will the weld characteric (performance) be the same -- minus the use of a foot pedal? Please let me know and correct me if I'm misunderstanding.

2nd question -- what usually causes an EWG tungsten to ball up when welding mild steel?

The easiest way to check it is to start welding, full pedal and read the ammeter it will tell you the amps with those settings.

If the tungsten balls welding steel, the polarity could be wrong, or possibly the machine is in AC.

I've read through this entire thread and it seems to be a good idea to centralize a place where process related info can be gathered on a particular machine. I notice no activity in some time now. This is a really good resource especially for a newbie like me. I documented this by cutting and pasting them into one file. I focused on the post that mentioned specific process and the settings used. Good 200DX quick settings reference resource!!! After experimenting with my 200DX, I have a question:

if I understand correctly, I realize in #1 peak=30amps, background =15amps, and #2 peak=30amps (give or take .01 or so) background = 15 amps. If the numbers are equal the same amps output will the weld characteric (performance) be the same -- minus the use of a foot pedal? Please let me know and correct me if I'm misunderstanding.

If the terminology is the same as the 300DX, "Peak" is the percent of time at the set current, and "Background" is the percent of set current for the remaining time.

#1 - 60 amps 50% of the time
30 amps 50% of the time.
average current - 45 amps

#2 - 34 amps 90% of the time
17 amps 10% of the time.
average current - 32.3 amps

If the terminology is the same as the 300DX, "Peak" is the percent of time at the set current, and "Background" is the percent of set current for the remaining time.

#1 - 60 amps 50% of the time
30 amps 50% of the time.
average current - 45 amps

#2 - 34 amps 90% of the time
17 amps 10% of the time.
average current - 32.3 amps

I appreciate the help. Although, I'm a bit confused. Regarding your average, where are you getting the 10%. In both "1" and "2" the background pertentage is the same. Based on the average you've calculated, are you saying that the background amps is determine by the difference in the "Peak" amp percentage time the "background" amp percentage which in the #2 scenario would be: 100% - 90% = 10% x 34 amps x 50% = 1.9 background amps????

I appreciate the help. Although, I'm a bit confused. Regarding your average, where are you getting the 10%. In both "1" and "2" the background pertentage is the same. Based on the average you've calculated, are you saying that the background amps is determine by the difference in the "Peak" amp percentage time the "background" amp percentage which in the #2 scenario would be: 100% - 90% = 10% x 34 amps x 50% = 1.9 background amps????

I think you're confused about the terms. "Peak" refers to the percentage of time at peak current. In #1 that is 60 amps for 50% of the pulse. "Background" is the percentage of peak amps. So in #1, it's 60 amps for 50% of the pulse, then 30 amps (50% of 60 amps) for the remaining 50% of the pulse.

In #2 it's 34 amps for 90% of the pulse, then 17 amps (50% of 34 amps) for the remaining 10% of the pulse.

If you were to change the pulse frequency to 1 PPS, the #2 would be 34 amps for 0.9 seconds followed by 17 amps for 0.1 seconds . . .

To calculate average current it's: (90% times 34 amps + 10% and 17 amps) divided by 100%.

I think you're confused about the terms. "Peak" refers to the percentage of time at peak current. In #1 that is 60 amps for 50% of the pulse. "Background" is the percentage of peak amps. So in #1, it's 60 amps for 50% of the pulse, then 30 amps (50% of 60 amps) for the remaining 50% of the pulse.

In #2 it's 34 amps for 90% of the pulse, then 17 amps (50% of 34 amps) for the remaining 10% of the pulse.

If you were to change the pulse frequency to 1 PPS, the #2 would be 34 amps for 0.9 seconds followed by 17 amps for 0.1 seconds . . .

To calculate average current it's: (90% times 34 amps + 10% and 17 amps) divided by 100%.

Your right, I completely misunderstood the terms and their meaning. I understand now. I thought "Peak T" setting was establishing "Peak amps" which was a percentage of the Main amps determined by the "Peak T" setting. I realize now it's "the percentage of time at peak current". Thanks for your help and patients!!!

I appreciate the help. Although, I'm a bit confused. Regarding your average, where are you getting the 10%. In both "1" and "2" the background pertentage is the same. Based on the average you've calculated, are you saying that the background amps is determine by the difference in the "Peak" amp percentage time the "background" amp percentage which in the #2 scenario would be: 100% - 90% = 10% x 34 amps x 50% = 1.9 background amps????

mathematically, the syntax is correct (with the exception of the word "and", should have been "of", which mathematically just means "times"). If you change it all to decimal it becomes:

(0.90*34 + 0.10*17)/1 = 32.3 (because 100% in decimal = 1)

Notice how if you end up dividing be "1", it has no net effect. Anything divided by 1 results in the original quantity. The "percentage conversion" was already done without having to divide because to use percentages is to use decimal equivalents. What he [probably] meant to say was:

mathematically, the syntax is correct (with the exception of the word "and", should have been "of", which mathematically just means "times"). If you change it all to decimal it becomes:

(0.90*34 + 0.10*17)/1 = 32.3 (because 100% in decimal = 1)

Notice how if you end up dividing be "1", it has no net effect. Anything divided by 1 results in the original quantity. The "percentage conversion" was already done without having to divide because to use percentages is to use decimal equivalents. What he [probably] meant to say was:

Both are equivalent by way of algebraic manipulation of common factors.

I appreciate your efforts but I really wasn't trying to "use my mind's eye" to figure out why his equation didn't work. LOL! Last I checked via when my son's 5th grade math (pre algebra), "and" means to add. Also, using "my minds eye" I learned and understood the concepts of physics w/trig and calculus while still in high school prior to college. Just because a person is new to welding doesn't mean that they're in need of a 3 grade math lesson being prescribe by Mr. Rogers -- "...ok boys and girls now that you've had your milk and cookies, I need you to put your thinking caps on and use your mind's eye". It is absolutely clear to me that 4sfed is a very bright intelligent highly knowledge person in the area of welding and beyond. I'm more than certain he understood where his formula was incorrect, but his point was made clear; therefore, he obviously didn't feel the need to further explain something so simple. I only pointed it out because I didn't want to cause further confusion for anyone else that may have been interested in the info. I wasn't in need of anyone explaining to me what he meant. Nonetheless, do you have any "Process-Set up" info to share regarding your Tig projects. I realize you have a HTP 221 and not a Dynasty 200, 280, 300, or 350 (oh wait....did the HTP sales guy tell you to "just use your mind's eye and think HTP and not MILLER" -- JUST JOKING!!!! ). Nonetheless, I'm very much interested in knowing what pulse, ac, amp, and all other settings you're using to acquire specific arc characteristics necessary to complete specific weld types on specific materials. I'm trying to document as much of that as possible so that I have a good resource that I can use as a quick reference for starting points when I encounter something similar. Thanks Oscar Jr.! Again the HTP/"mind's eye" thing was just a joke and I hope you weren't offended!! Please share your info. Thanks!!